Χάριν γὰρ ἔχομεν πολλὴν καὶ παράκλησιν ἐπὶ τῇ ἀγάπῃ σου, ὅτι τὰ σπλάγχνα τῶν ἁγίων ἀναπέπαυται διὰ σοῦ, ἀδελφέ. (Philemon 7)
For we have much grace and encouragement because of your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.
The Context of the Letter
In Philemon 7, Paul expresses gratitude for the love of Philemon, acknowledging how his actions have refreshed the hearts of the saints. The Greek is carefully crafted: χάριν γὰρ ἔχομεν πολλὴν καὶ παράκλησιν ἐπὶ τῇ ἀγάπῃ σου, ὅτι τὰ σπλάγχνα τῶν ἁγίων ἀναπέπαυται διὰ σοῦ, ἀδελφέ. This single sentence combines thanksgiving, encouragement, and theological depth. Examining its grammar—particularly the perfect tense of ἀναπέπαυται—shows how Paul uses verbal aspect to shape persuasion.
Key Verbal Forms
- ἔχομεν — “we have”: present active indicative, 1st plural of ἔχω. Continuous possession of gratitude and encouragement.
- ἀναπέπαυται — “has been refreshed”: perfect middle/passive indicative, 3rd singular of ἀναπαύω. Emphasizes a completed action with abiding results.
Parsing Table
| Greek Term | Parsing | Aspect | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| ἔχομεν | Present act. ind., 1st pl. of ἔχω | Imperfective | “we have / we hold” |
| ἀναπέπαυται | Perfect mid./pass. ind., 3rd sg. of ἀναπαύω | Perfective with present result | “has been refreshed, and remains at rest” |
The Function of χάριν ἔχομεν
Paul begins with χάριν γὰρ ἔχομεν πολλὴν — “for we have much gratitude.” The accusative χάριν functions adverbially: “we give thanks.” Combined with ἔχομεν, it conveys a sense of holding or possessing gratitude. By pairing it with καὶ παράκλησιν (“and encouragement”), Paul links thanksgiving and encouragement as dual responses to Philemon’s love.
The Ground of Thanksgiving: ἐπὶ τῇ ἀγάπῃ σου
The prepositional phrase ἐπὶ τῇ ἀγάπῃ σου specifies the basis of Paul’s gratitude: “because of your love.” The dative after ἐπί marks cause or basis. This is not abstract affection, but a demonstrated love evident in Philemon’s support of fellow believers.
The ὅτι Clause: Proof in the Perfect
Paul then gives the reason with ὅτι: τὰ σπλάγχνα τῶν ἁγίων ἀναπέπαυται διὰ σοῦ — “because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” The subject τὰ σπλάγχνα (“the hearts” or “inner affections”) is plural, but the verb ἀναπέπαυται is singular, a common idiom treating the plural subject as a collective unit. The perfect tense is striking: their hearts have been refreshed in the past, and they remain refreshed. The perfect captures ongoing results of Philemon’s past actions.
Lexical Note: σπλάγχνα
The word σπλάγχνα literally refers to the “inward parts” or “bowels,” but idiomatically denotes the seat of emotions, especially compassion. In Pauline usage (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:12; Philippians 1:8), it represents deep affections. Thus, to “refresh the hearts” is to bring comfort and renewal to the very center of believers’ lives.
Vocative Appeal: ἀδελφέ
Paul closes the verse with ἀδελφέ — “brother.” The vocative personalizes the appeal, softening the authority of the apostle with the intimacy of family language. This prepares for Paul’s upcoming request regarding Onesimus, grounding it in mutual love rather than apostolic command.
Theological and Rhetorical Implications
This verse exemplifies Paul’s pastoral strategy: before making a difficult appeal, he acknowledges and praises the recipient’s character. By using the perfect tense ἀναπέπαυται, Paul highlights enduring results of Philemon’s love. This reassures him that his past actions have lasting value and prepares him to act consistently in the matter of Onesimus. The grammar thus undergirds the rhetoric: thanksgiving precedes exhortation, and encouragement makes persuasion effective.
When Grammar Refreshes Souls
Philemon 7 is a masterclass in how grammar, vocabulary, and rhetoric work together. The present tense of ἔχομεν stresses ongoing gratitude; the perfect of ἀναπέπαυται underscores lasting refreshment; the vocative ἀδελφέ seals the appeal with brotherly warmth. Through precise language, Paul transforms thanksgiving into pastoral persuasion. Grammar itself becomes a means of refreshment — reminding us that in Scripture, even tense and aspect can encourage weary hearts.
